This book recounts the methods, the bravery, the cunning, the near misses, and the incredible successes of the Culper Ring, which helped to save our nation and shape our future. Most of all, this is a story about ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things, people whose fears and hopes and lives were not much different form our own, and how they changed the course of history. Their humility stopped them from seeking fame or fortune because their love of country sparked their exploits.
-- Authors (Preface paragraph Page xviii, paragraph 2)

Importance: This passage from the book's Preface provides an excellent summation of the book's premise and content.

As New York slipped from his grasp, Washington saw that the Patriots would need to outmaneuver, not overpower, the enemy. And, by learning the enemy's secrets, spies would play a crucial role in undermining British attacks through anticipating the redcoats' next moves. It would be the only way to counter the superior...
-- Authors (Chapter 2 paragraph Page 19, paragraph 3)